LAS VEGAS — A huge double takeout from Sochi-bound Brad Jacobs played a huge role in giving Team North America the lead after the opening day of the 2014 World Financial Group Continental Cup on Thursday at the Orleans Arena.

Many of the curling teams heading to Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics will get one final head-to-head test when the history-making 2014 World Financial Group Continental Cup gets underway Thursday at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Five exciting resorts in Las Vegas are now offering preferred rates to the thousands of curling fans still planning to attend the historic 2014 World Financial Group Continental Cup of Curling at the Orleans Arena January 16-19.